May is National Water Safety Month, and it’s one of those topics that’s easy to scroll past, but incredibly important for families with kids. Whether you live near the coast, spend weekends at the lake, or just have access to a backyard pool, water is a part of life here in Maine and across New England.
Drowning Statistics in the U.S.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children in the United States. It’s the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the #2 cause of death for children ages 5-14. Unlike what you see in the movies, most drownings happen quickly and quietly and most parents who experience it say they only looked away for a second.
For many families, it happens during every day moments when your guard is most likely to be more relaxed. Because of this, signing up your children for swim lessons is so important in accident prevention.
Why Swim Lessons Matter
Swim lessons help kids learn basic survival skills, gain confidence while still respecting water safety, and build comfort and awareness in the water. But swim lessons aren’t just about learning fancy strokes or building confidence in the water—they’re a critical layer of safety.
For us, signing our kids up for swim lessons has always felt like a nonnegotiable. Living in Maine, we’re constantly around water—beaches, lakes, pools, and everything in between. We even have a small pond right next to our home. Giving kids the skills to understand how to move safely in and around water can be life saving.
Why We Recommend Goldfish Swim School
If you’re looking for a place to start, we’ve loved having our girls at Goldfish Swim School. Their approach is designed specifically for kids, with smaller class sizes (4:1 ratio), a focus on water safety and skill-building, and a fun low-pressure environment. It’s not just about swimming, it’s about building confidence in a space that feels safe and supportive.
The staff are all so friendly and the girls have built some really strong relationships with so many of the instructors they’ve worked with. As parents, we love getting weekly updates on their progress and seeing them thrive in this environment.
If you want to get your kids signed up for the summer, be sure to check out their website or stop by your nearest Goldfish location.
Final Thoughts
Drowning prevention isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation.
Between swim lessons, supervision, and awareness, there are simple steps we can take to make time around water safer for everyone. And heading into summer, it’s one of the most important things we can prioritize.
